Six couples who want to get married in Florida are suing the state for that right

Florida's ban on gay marriage is being challenged in court by six same-sex couples who want to tie the not.

The couples and the Equality Florida Institute filed a lawsuit in state court in Miami on Tuesday (21 January) in Miami seeking the freedom to marry.

Theor lawsuit argues that Florida’s laws barring same-sex couples from marriage violate the US Constitution by denying them the legal protections and equal dignity that having the freedom to marry provides.

Four of the couples are raising children and another couple has an adult child and two grandchildren.

'Karla and I wish for our family the same things that other families want. We want to build our lives together, provide a safe and caring home for our child, and share in the responsibilities and protections of marriage,' Pareto said in statement released by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Greene said in her statement: 'Getting married in Florida will provide us with those important protections and it will allow us to celebrate that joyous occasion with all our family and friends, just as other couples can.'

'These couples have been embraced by their families and communities, but every day, Florida laws are denying them the protections and dignity that every family deserve,' Smith stated. 'These harmful laws are outdated and out of step. It is time for all families in our state to have full equality under the law.'